World and Vatican Pay Tribute to Pope Francis with Grand Funeral

Over 250,000 people, including heads of state, royalty, and pilgrims, converged on St. Peter’s Square on Saturday for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, who died at 88 after a stroke.

The event, followed by a procession through Rome and a private burial at St. Mary Major Basilica, reflected the late pontiff’s 12-year tenure and his preference for simplicity.

A Final Journey Through Rome

Following the Mass, Francis’ zinc-lined wooden coffin, a departure from the traditional triple-casket burial, was placed on an open-topped popemobile for a 5.5-km procession through Rome to St. Mary Major Basilica.

An estimated 150,000 lined the route, waving signs, tossing flowers, and chanting “viva il papa” and “ciao, Francesco” as the cortege passed landmarks like the Colosseum.

The route began at the Vatican’s Perugino Gate, near the Santa Marta guesthouse where Francis lived, eschewing the grandeur of papal apartments.

The burial, conducted privately, fulfilled Francis’ wish to rest at St. Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s crypt, making him the first pope buried outside the Vatican in over a century.

His tomb, inscribed simply with “Franciscus” in Latin, features a reproduction of his iron-plated cross necklace, symbolizing his unpretentious faith.

Francis’ Tenure and Impact

As the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, Francis aimed to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and transparent.

A Latin summary placed by his body noted: “Francis left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and of universal fatherhood.”

His emphasis on supporting migrants, ending conflicts, and addressing climate change sparked debate, with traditionalists resisting his reforms.

Over three days, 250,000 viewed his open coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica, a testament to his reach within the 1.4-billion-member Church.

French pilgrim Aurelie Andre shared her experience:

Transition to a New Era

As the Church mourns, attention turns to the upcoming conclave, set to begin no earlier than May 6, where cardinals will choose Francis’ successor.

The decision will hinge on whether to continue his progressive vision or pivot to a more conservative papacy, amid financial challenges and ideological divides.

The funeral concludes a carefully orchestrated period of mourning, marking the end of Francis’ tenure.